Extensible and retractable radio antenna



June 25, 1957 J. H. CONE EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE RADIO ANTENNA 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 18, 1951 3110mm .]0s'eph J-Z Cone Gttornegs J. H. CONE EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE RADIO ANTENNA June 25, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Srwentor Jose 07a 60/1 attorneys Filed May 18, 1951 J. H. CONE June 25, 1957 v I EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE RADIO ANTENNA Filed May 18, 195;

s Shets-Sheet s Zmnentor Joseph H Come 8g i Unite 2,797,413 Patented June 25, 1957 EXTENSIBLE AND RETRACTABLE RADHO ANTENNA Joseph H. Cone, Bridgeport, Conn., assignor to Casco Products Corporation, Bridgeport, Conan, a corporation of Connecticut Application May 18,1951, Serial No. 227,006

3 Claims. ((31.343-901) This invention relates to extensible and retractable telescopic radio antennas.

The invention is embodied in a power-operated automobile antenna of the type having telescoping sections actuated by an elongate push-pull strip coupled to one of the sections and driven by friction wheels powered through a worm drive from an electric motor. However, the invention is not limited to the specific structures illustrated herein, since it has utility with antennas other than that shown.

A broad object of the invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction of extensible and retractable radio antennas, particularly automobile antennas of the power-operated type.

Other objects of the invention'are: the provision of improved anti-clog water-drainage means for the enclosing sheath of the driving element, to prevent water accumulation and impairment of operation of the antenna; the provision of improved and simplified antifriction thrust bearing means for the power unit; the provisionof an improved slip-type connector means between the driving strip and antenna rod to enable the rod to turn freely and thereby discourage removal of the ornamental nut of the latter; the provision of improved quick-assembly clip type contact means between the antenna and lead-in to eliminate noisy reception while maintaining low fabrication costs; the provision of an improved mounting for the slidable bearing means between the telescoping sections, providing a simpler and more economical construction; the provision of an improved simplified sequence control for the telescoping sections, maintaining smaller sections housed as fully as possible in larger sections for partially raised positions of the antenna, thereby to improve the outward appearance and minimize possible bending and damage; the provision of simplified and stronger components making up the antenna; and the provision of simplified assemblies to facilitate fabrication and reduce manufacturing costs.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the improved radio antenna of this invention, drawn on a reduced scale.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section, showing the power and driving unit of the antenna.

Fig; 3 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the drainage means for the sheath of the antenna.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Fig.3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section of the upper portion of the antenna, drawn to an enlarged scale.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section of the antenna casing and telescoping sections, with uppermost and intermediateportions omitted.

Fig. 7 is a transverse section taken on line 7--7 of Fig. 6.

States Pateutifiice Fig. 8 is an end view of the flexible driving strip of the antenna, enlarged.

Fig. 9 is a vertical section through the connector means between the driving strip and inner antenna section.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the drive mechanism which transmits power from the motor to the flexible driving strip.

Referring to Fig. 1, the antenna embodying this invention comprises elongate movable inner and outer telescoping antenna sections 20 and 21 respectively, the latter being movably carried in a stationary elongate tubular antenna section 22, Figs. 5 and 6, mounted in an elongate tubular casing 23.

At its lower end the casing '23 is attached to a power and driving unit 24 comprising upper and lower casing parts 25 and 26 respectively, Figs. 1 and 2, housing an electric motor having an armature 27 carried by a shaft 28.

Extending downward from the lower casing part 26 is a tubular sheath 29 formed of small diameter handbendable tubing such as aluminum. The sheath 29 houses a flexible friction-driven drive strip 30 preferably formed of nylon, connected with the inner movable antenna section 20 for actuating the latter and the section 21. The sheath 29 is'so constructed that it may be bent into various shapes to conform it to the space available where the installation is to be made. For example, if the antenna is to be mounted within the fender of an automobile, the sheath 29 may be advantageously formed to have a trombone shape as shown in Fig. 1, with a lower bent portion 29w having a degree bend, an upwardly extending portion 2911 which is generally straight, an upper bent portion 290 having a 180 degree bend; and a downwardly extending end portion 29d, also generally straight.

As shown in Fig. 1, the downwardly extended portion 29d of the sheath may be fastened to the casing 23 by metal straps 31.

For purposes of mounting the antenna a strut 32 is provided, having a base 33 for attachment, to the car body or fender, the upper end of the strut being fastened to a depending post 34 formed on the lower casing part 26.

In accordance with this invention the antenna casing 23, which is of metal tubing, is simplified and improved at its top where it passes through and attaches to the automobile body or fender, resulting in fewer parts and a desirable economy of manufacture, and also greater strength. I accomplish this as follows:

At its top the casing 23 has secured to it a threaded tubular extension 35 carrying a collar 36 which engages a rubber grommet 37 mounted in the opening of the car fender 38. The collar 36 is held in place by :a nut 39 threaded on the extension 35, said nut carrying a bushing 40 through. which the stationary outermost antenna section 22 passes.

The upper end of the casing 23 is formed by suitable toolsto have an integral, outwardly extended transverse or diagonal flange 41 for engagement with the undersu'rface of the grommet 37. I have found that, by the provision of the flange 41 in conjunction with the threaded tubular extension 35 which I weld to the casing 23, a very simple and sturdy construction is obtained, and one which is practical and economical to fabricate. The flange 41 being integral with the casing 23 cannot move or slide out of place at any time, and by the use of a tubular extension which closely fits the bore of the casing 23 and welding the extension thereto a rigid and sturdy structure is obtained, as well as one in which tolerances may be closely held. As a consequence, the mounting when properly'installed will not work loose or fail in supporting the antenna adequately and without noise, rattling, etc.

In accordance with the invention, simplified and effective means are provided for establishing a ground contact between the casing 23 and the fender 38. Referring to Fig. 5, this means comprises a resilient contact strip 42 which may be of Phosphor bronze or other suitable material, said strip being welded to the flange 41 and having an upwardly bent end portion 43 disposed beyond the edge of the grommet 37, having prongs or tines 44 engaging the undersurface of the fender. Thus the advantage of a cushioned anti-rattle mounting is had by virtue of the rubber grommet 37, while at the same time simple and elfective electrical contact is established between the casing 23 and fender,

Under certain conditions of use, particularly in wet or damp weather, a slight amount of moisture may enter the casing 23 and pass downwardly through the casing parts 25 and 26 into the sheath 29, as will be hereinafter brought out in more detail. By the present invention novel, advantageous water drainage means are provided for the sheath 29 to effectively remove any such moisture and thereby maintain the antenna in operative condition at all times. means comprises a housing 45 secured to the lowermost portion 29a of the sheath, providing a chamber 46 below said portion. The housing 45 has a water drain opening 47 below and communicating with the chamber 46, and the sheath 29 has a water drain opening 48 in its lower wall, communicating with the chamber 46.

I construct the housing 45 in an advantageous and economical manner, by forming it of sheet metal, in two identical halves. Thus the housing may be quickly stamped out, using but a single set of blanking and forming tools. The housing halves are designated 49, each comprising a generally fiat semicircular wall portion 50 bounded by a peripheral lip provided with outwardly extended flanges 51. The lips of the housing halves are interrupted at points 52 in such a manner that when the halves are held together with their flanges in engagement circular openings will be provided through which the sheath 29 passes. The lips are also interrupted at 53 to provide the drainage opening 47 when the halves are assembled. The housing 45 is secured to the sheath 29 by assembling the halves on opposite sides of the sheath as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4, and then spot-welding the flanges 51 at the points 54.

A drainage means constructed in the above manner is of considerable advantage if the antenna is used in places where it is subjected to rain, mud, dirt and the like. For example, when the antenna is mounted in the fender of an automobile, the sections 20, 21 and 22 will be exposed to rain, and the sheath 29 will at times have dirt and water thrown against it.

However, the housing 45, forming the .chamber 46 below the drainage opening 48 in the sheath, provides an advantageous portection of said opening, preventing it from becoming clogged or stopped with mud and dirt. This is because the relatively small opening 47 in the housing 45 prevents mud and dirt from filling the chamber 46. At most, the drainage opening 47 in the housing may become plugged or stopped. However, if this should occur, it will tend to clear itself as water collects in the chamber 46 and dissolves the plug. Such Water will normally be clear, coming from the sheath 29 and antenna sections, and representing seepage past said sections, and condensate from within the casing 23. Accordingly the removal at all times of water from the sheath 29 will tend to prevent impairment of operation of the antenna.

Motivation of the movable antenna sections 20 and ,21 is accomplished by the flexible driving strip 30, as already mentioned. The strip 30 is connected to the lower end of the inner movable antenna section 20 by, improved means comprising a connector 55, Figs. 6 and 9, to be described in detail later. The drive strip 30 passes be- Referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, this drainage tween friction wheels 56, Fig. 10, carried on divergent shafts 57 turning in bearings 58 in the lower casing part 26. The shafts 57 have worm wheels 59 engaging a worm 60 on the end of the armature shaft 23. It will be seen that rotation of the worm 60 and shaft 28 in one direction will raise the drive strip 30 and the antenna sections 20 and 21, and rotation in the opposite direction will lower the strip 30 and sections 20 and 21.

Details of the drive mechanism comprising the strip 30, wheels 56, shafts 57 and worm gearing 59, 60 are described and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 18,253, filed March 31, l948, entitled Projectable Antenna, now Patent No. 2,695,957, issued November 30, 1954.

In conjunction with the drive mechanism mentioned above I provide improved and simplified antifriction thrust bearing means for the armature shaft 28 of the electric motor of the antenna. Referring to Fig. 2, the shaft 28 is rotatably mounted in bearing collars 61 and at its ends engages hardened steel balls 62 carried in sockets 63. Hardened plates 64 are disposed in the sockets 63 to engage the opposite sides of the balls 62. By the present invention the sockets 63 are made to have a diameter substantially larger than that of the balls 62 whereby the latter will gyrate or roll in a circular path of very small diameter on the disks 64. With this con struction considerably less friction and wear is experienced by the thrust bearing assemblages, resulting in increased life and increased power available for transmission by the worm 60. The action of the thrust bearing assemblage is substantially one of rolling friction as compared with sliding friction which characterizes thrust balls which are closely confined in their sockets and not permitted to gyrate or travel in circular paths.

By the present invention the connector 55 between the driving strip 30 and the inner antenna section 20, see

Fig. 9, enables the antenna section to turn freely about its axis at all times. By this organization unauthorized removal of the ornamental nut 65 from the antenna section 20 is made difiicult for the reason that such removal requires not only turning the nut but also preventing the antenna section 20 from turning. As shown, the tubular connector sleeve 55 is secured to the end .of the driving strip 30 by crimped portions 67 extending into notches 68 in the strip. The sleeve 55 has an inturned circular flange 69 at its top, in which the antenna section 20 loosely fits, the latter being provided with a head 70 loosely carried in the sleeve. Thus the antenna section 20, being loose in the sleeve 66, is free to turn about its axis. Accordingly, if an unauthorized person tries to remove the ornamental nut 65 he will find that turning of the nut to unscrew it will cause the rod or antenna section 20 to turn, and if means are not available to grip the rod and prevent its turning, the nut 65 will not unscrew.

By the present invention a simplified slidable bearing assemblage is provided between the relatively movable antenna sections 20, 21 and 22. Referring to Fig. 5, metal bushings 71 and 72 are disposed in the antenna section 21, and metal bushings 73 and 74 disposed in the antenna section 22. The bushings 71 and 73 abut inturned flanges at the upper ends of the antenna sections, and the bushings 72 and 74 are spaced from the bushings 71 and 73 and have annular grooves receiving inwardly displaced annular portions 75 and 76 of the antenna sections 21 and 22 respectively. Thus the bushings 72 and 74 are securely positioned in the sections 21 and 22 against movement. Between the bushings 71 and 72, and between the bushings 73 and 74 felt backing washers 77 are disposed, for engagement with the slidable antenna sections 20 and 21. The felt washers 77 are preferably impregnated with oil and therefore provide a substantially watertight seal between the relatively movable antenna sections while at the same time keeping friction at a minimum.

Normally the friction existing between the innermost antenna section 20 and the next antenna section 21 is less than the friction existing between the antenna sections 21and 22. Accordingly when the antenna sections are raised, the tendency is for the innermost section 20 to be projected upward first, out of the section 21 until it has reached the uppermost limit of movement in the section 20. Thereafter continued application of force by the driving strip 30 will cause the innermost section 20 to pick up the next section 21 and raise the latter. This is an undesirable condition for the reason that, if the antenna is only partially raised, the innermost section 20 will be projecting by itself, and will be located in a relatively low position on the car where it can receive a blow and perhaps become bent.

In accordance with this invention novel, improved means are provided for effecting a sequence control of the movable antenna sections 20 and 21 whereby during raising of theantenna both said sections will first be raised simultaneously, with one nested in the other, and whereby the final raising movement of the antenna will be solely a movement of the innermost antenna section 20. I In accomplishing this, referring to Fig. 6, I provide res'ilientbearing means between the antenna sections comprising spring fingers 78 carried by the innermost section 20 and engaging the inner surface of the next section 21, and spring fingers 79 carried by the next antenna section 21 and engaging the outermost antenna section 22. In conjunction with this I provide an annular constriction 80 in the wall of the antenna section 21, adapted to be engaged by the spring finger 78 of the antenna section 20. Such construction increases materially the friction existing between the antenna sections 20 and 21 when these are fully nested together, such friction materially exceeding the friction between the antenna sections 21 and 22. Accordingly when the driving strip 30 is raised, it will not only raise the innermost section 20 but the said section will continuously carry with it the next antenna section 21 until the latter strikes a positive stop in the form of the bushing 74 in the antenna section 22. Continued raising movement of the driving strip 30 will thereafter force the spring fingers 78 past the constriction 80 and result in the innermost antenna section 20 being next raised by itself.

It will be understood that the friction of the sections 20 and 21 which exceeds that existing between the sections 21 and 22, exists only when the sections 20 and 21 are fully nested. At all other times, the friction between the innermost and next antenna sections is less than the friction between the next and the outermost antenna sections. Therefore whenever the antenna is being lowered the innermost section 20 will first be drawn in the next section 21 before the latter is pulled downward. Accordingly it will be seen that at all times the antenna is in use in partially raised position, the innermost antenna section 20 will be contained to the greatest possible degree in the next antenna section 21.

By the present invention an improved contact assembly including clip-type contact means is provided between the outermost antenna section 22 and the leadin, effectinga simplified, economical construction, while at the same time limiting contact noises to the greatest possible degree. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the casing 23 is provided with a flattened portion 81 having an aperture in which a threaded sleeve 82 is secured. Within the sleeve 82 an insulating bushing 83 is fixed, carrying a central contact pin 84 having one end headed over a base portion 85 of a spring contact clip 86. The clip 86 comprises a U-shaped part, see Fig. 7, having resilient arms 87 joined together by a yoke portion 88 overlying the base portion 85. As seen in Fig. 6, the base portion 85 is folded back on the yoke portion 88 in fabricating the clip, to provide a resilient mounting for the arms 87, thereby obtaining a relatively great amount of flexibility in a compact clip of small size. The clip arms 6 87 are adapted to embrace the outside of the antenna section 22 when the clip is supported by the insulating bushing 83, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

In conjunction with said contact clip I provide an insulating bushing 89 in the casing 23, positioned by an indent 90 in the casing wall, said bushing engaging the antenna section 22 and preventing relative lateral movement between said antenna section and the casing.

- I thus effect a rigid assembly which obviates relative movement between the contact clip and the antenna section 22, eliminating contact noises.

By this invention a simple yet very secure and durable assemblage of components is provided at the lower end of the casing 23 whereby the antenna section 22 and upper casing part 25 may be quickly and easily fastened and securely held in their proper positions. Referring to Fig. 6, the lower end of the antenna section 22 has an outturned flange 91 engaged on opposite sides by insulating bushings 92 and 93 carried within the casing 23. The bushing 92 has a metal backing ring or annulus 94 engaged by detent portions 95 of the casing to position the bushing. and hold it securely against upward movement. the upper casing part 25 of the motor unit has a tubular upstandingportion 96 sized to closely -fit in the lower end of the casing 23, said portion having a shoulder. 97 for engagement with the bushing 93 to position and hold the latter. The casing 23 and portion 97 of the casing part 25 have aligned openings to receive screws 98 which are threaded into the portion 97 to maintain it and the bushing 93 in the positions shown. The outermost antenna section 22 is thus rigidly secured to the lower portion of the casing 23 by virtue of the flange 91 being held between the bushings 92 and 93. If desired, a metal washer 99 may be interposed between the flange 41 and the bushing '93 to provide increased bearing surface.

By the construction outlined above I have provided a generally improved and simplified power-operated extensible and retractable radio antenna which is simple, effective and reliable in operation and economical to fabricate and assemble. Electrical losses are at a minimum, noises due to poor contacts or movable contacts have been eliminated, and the entire structure is characterized by substantial durability and ruggedness, making for an extended useful life.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. An extensible and retractable radio antenna comprising inner and outer telescoping antenna sections; means mounting the antenna sections for longitudinally extending and retracting movement, said means having a predetermined amount of friction normally greater than the friction existing between the antenna sections themselves; drive means connected to the inner antenna section for extending and retracting the sections; and means on one section and cooperating means on the other section for coacting together only at the position of the sections when they are substantially fully nested within each other for creating a friction by reason of their coaction which causes a greater resistance to movement of the inner section in the outer section than is provided by the friction of said mounting means whereby the outer and inner sections will be extended first together and thereafter the inner section extended alone when an extending force is applied in the inner section.

2. -An extensible and retractable radio antenna comprising inner and outer telescoping antenna sections; a stationary antenna section for mounting the outer antenna section for longitudinally extending and retracting movement, the friction existing between the stationary and outer sections being norm-ally greater than that existing between the outer and inner sections; means on the inner section and cooperating means on the outer section for coacting together only at the position of the sections when the inner section is substantially fully nested in the outer section for creating a friction by reason of their coaction which causes a. greater resistance to movement of the inner section in the outer section, than between the outer section and the stationary section whereby the inner and outer sections will be extended first together and there after the inner section extended alone when an extending force is applied in the inner section.

3. An extensible and retractable radio antenna comprising inner and outer telescoping antenna sections; a stationary antenna section for mounting the outer antenna section for longitudinally extending and retracting movement, the friction existing between the stationary and outer sections being normally greater than that existing between the .outer and inner sections; means including yieldable elements disposed between the telescoping antenna sections for providing greater resistance to movement of the inner section in the outer section than between the outer section and the stationary section only when 'the sections are substantially fully nested Within each other whereby the inner and outer sections will be extended first together and thereafter the inner section extended alone when an extending force is applied in the inner section and in which the means comprises an inward projection on the outer section and the yieldable elementscomprise resilient fingers mounted on the inner section for engagement with the projection.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATE$ PATENTS Baird Feb. 2, 1904 Milloy Dec. 13, 1919 Mace Nov. 7, 1939 Martin Aug. 20, 1940 Andersen Oct. 8, 1940 Barrett Oct. 27, 1942 Russell Nov. 3, 1942 Hann May 25, 1943 Barrett Aug. 17, 1943 Brach et a1 Sept. 14, 19.43 Lehmann Dec. 26, 1944 Tellander et al Dec. 18, 19.45 Woodling Aug. 2, 1949, De Rubeis .a Sept. 27, 1949 Scott July 4, 1950 Grashow Jan. 2, 1951 Carlson Jan. 1, 1952 Noel Nov. 11, 1952 Carlson Mar. 17, 1953 O EIGN P TE Great Britain Nov. 17, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,797,413 June 25, 1957 Joseph H Cone It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Let cars Patent should read as corrected below.

Column, 3, line 57, for "portection" read protection column 5,

line 52, for "in' read into column 8, line 15, list of references cited, under "UNITED STATES PATENTS", for the patent number "2,391,302"

Signed and sealed this 15th day of October 1957.

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL AXLINE ROBERT c. WATSON Attesting Officer Conmissioner of Patents 

